There are choices

Letters to the Editor

February 07, 2010

I am tired of blanket statements from policymakers that lock us into boxes when it comes to our state budget. We are facing huge economic problems nationwide, and we feel the impact in Virginia. The reason we have made it through this economic crisis slightly better than other states is due to responsible stewardship of our state programs. We always have choices, and this legislature is not looking at all of the choices.

It worries me when policymakers box themselves in a corner and refuse to even consider increasing the amount of money coming in to pay for essential services. Gov. Bob McDonnell and the House of Delegates will not even think about raising taxes. However, the school district where my children attend school faces dramatic cuts that will impact their future.

The answer needs to be a responsible look at our finances. Eliminating choices is rash and makes solutions hard to come by. The rhetoric that prevents creative solutions to ensure a better quality of life for Virginians is uncalled for. Let's look at all of our options and take a balanced approach to the way we spend our state dollars and the way we raise them.